Academics

St. Rita of Cascia High School is completely committed to a College Preparatory curriculum. All students are placed in an academic program that is tailored to meet their needs. Our course of studies will challenge each student to fully develop his intellectual talents. We are proud of our students and honored that the United States Board of Education has cited St. Rita as an Exemplary Secondary school. We offer several rigorous programs of study which prepare students for the next step in their educational development. The courses in these programs stretch students to grow in many ways. 

Our students are placed in an academic program tailored to meet their needs. Students are placed into classes upon performance in individual subjects. Therefore, a student may be placed in the Augustinian Academy level for some classes and the Mendel Academic Program for other classes. It is the goal of St. Rita High School that all students who join the Fr. James Green, O.S.A. Academic Support Program will take classes in the Mendel Academic Program and Augustinian Academy levels. Our course of studies will challenge each student to fully develop his intellectual talents.

Augustinian Academy

The Augustinian Academy is a rigorous academic program for gifted and motivated students. It allows qualified students the opportunity for accelerated coursework. Courses include College Board approved Advanced Placement (AP) classes in all subject areas and Honors courses in nearly every academic department.

Qualified students who take advantage of these offerings are well-prepared to enter the nation’s most competitive colleges and universities.

Mendel Academic Program

The Mendel Academic Program is a rigorous college prep program for dedicated and motivated college bound students. It provides students with all the essential tools for success at the college level.

Fr. James Green, O.S.A. Academic Support Program

The Fr. James Green, O.S.A. Academic Support Program is a customized learning resource program designed to meet the needs of students with documented learning differences who demonstrate the potential to succeed in a college preparatory program. Students are placed in the program according to their individual academic needs. The program provides an opportunity for students to receive individual attention, tutoring, mentoring, and help with study skills that are necessary for secondary and post-secondary success.

For more information on our Academic Support Program as well as any questions regarding academic support, please contact:

Michele Dougherty | Academic Resource Coordinator

(773) 925-6600 ext. 6639 mdougherty@stritahs.com

CURRICULUM & SCHEDULING

View the complete Curriculum Guide, including the classes offered St. Rita and their descriptions, for the 2024-25 academic year here.

Student Scheduling

Scheduling Seniors: Every rising senior discusses individual scheduling options with his counselor in January. A student who is eligible, will receive a recommendation for an Honors and/or AP course(s). By the end of February, all rising seniors will choose classes and periods making sure that all graduation requirements are being scheduled. Electives are chosen at this time.

Scheduling Juniors: Every rising junior discusses individual scheduling options with his counselor in March. A student who is eligible, will receive a recommendation for an Honors and/or AP course(s). By the end of March, all rising juniors will choose classes and periods making sure that all graduation requirements are being scheduled. Electives are chosen at this time.

Scheduling Sophomores: Every rising sophomore discusses his individual scheduling options with his counselor in April. A student who is eligible will receive a recommendation for an Honors and/or AP course(s). By the end of April, all rising sophomores will choose classes, including his fine art preference. There are fewer decisions in the sophomore year because it consists of all required courses.

Scheduling Freshmen: Every incoming freshman will receive an academic plan of classes once accepted into St. Rita High School. This plan will be confirmed with a St. Rita faculty member in an in-person meeting conducted in the Spring.

Appeals: Returning students may appeal if he would like to be recommended for an Honors or AP level course. Students must email the department chair and current teacher to request this change.

Schedules: All schedules are made available on PlusPortals in June.

Schedule Changes

Once schedules are issued any student who would like to request a schedule change must complete a schedule change request by clicking link below.

Students may contact Mrs. Jill Nagel at jnagel@stritahs.com with any questions.